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Ageless Chelios cracks Wings' lineup

by
Brian Compton
/ NHL.com

DETROIT – Chris Chelios added to an already astonishing record on Friday night.

With Brian Rafalski out due to an upper-body injury, the 47-year-old Chelios cracked the Detroit Red Wings’ lineup for the first time this postseason and received nearly seven minutes of playing time in a 3-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of this Western Conference semifinal at Joe Louis Arena.

It was the 261st postseason appearance for Chelios, a finalist for the Masterton Trophy for his dedication to the sport. The three-time Norris Trophy winner managed to record a shot on goal and had an even rating.

"That’s obviously the biggest reason why I’ve been around this long … perseverance," Chelios said on Thursday. "Crazy … I don’t know what you’d call it."

Chelios has 24 years of postseason experience – three more than the next closest, which is Ray Bourque. He’s also the second-oldest player to appear in a playoff game, trailing only Red Wings’ legend Gordie Howe, who was 52 years old when he played for Hartford in 1980.